Sofitel Baru Cartagena

We spent six nights at the Sofitel Baru and could easily have stayed for six months. As soon as you enter the lobby, it is an oasis of calm. Our room overlooked the beach and was very comfortable. The aircon worked very well also. The best thing about the hotel is the staff. They go out of their way to look after you. All staff that we encountered were very friendly and very helpful and it is clear that there are a lot of staff in the background making the hotel the gem that it is. We would like to thank Mariana at the concierge desk in particular. She was of great assistance to us in relation to a travel issue we had prior to our arrival which we very much appreciated. She also handled our booking enquiries and organised some trips for us at very short notice. All done with a great smile and great professionalism. The rest of the concierge team were also very helpful. We mainly ate in the main restaurant where the food was very nice, in particular the breakfast buffet. The Christmas Eve buffet was spectacular! There is a standard a la carte menu for lunch and dinner. We were very well looked after by the team there, especially by Juan, Brenda, Ramses and Esteban, but everybody there was very helpful. Mariana and Yannick (hotel manager) gave us great recommendations for the rest of our holiday in Colombia which were gratefully received and very much enjoyed. We would love to return to the Sofitel Baru some day, if you go you will be glad you did.

We enjoyed our stay. The staff was friendly. The babysitter from kids club, Everliss was amazing with our youngest daughter. Our girls enjoyed the kids club Some negatives but I’ll temper my expectations in future… One of our rooms was not ready until 5pm. It took several (3-4) requests to get a fold away bed for our daughter, resulting in a late bedtime. Our biggest issues were the spa and scheduled activities. The spa had poor communication and English. Several attempts via email and phone to confirm our treatments - and a very loud dance or gym class could be heard from treatment room during massage. Poor sound insulation and very disturbing The schedule seemed like a suggestion. We confirmed certain events and activities with staff that never took place, leaving our kids disappointed. This pertained to Cookie decorating and carnival parade which were both on their Christmas brochure and we confirmed with staff ahead of time Poor communication amongst the staff which I feel is a management issue. We got 3 different answers on time a restaurant closed on Christmas Eve from 3 different people and all 3 ended up being incorrect (the food truck, 5, 6, and 10pm but ended up being 7) In end, we understand things come up, I would come back with lower expectations and assume the above would reoccur as we still enjoyed our stay and the property.

I was totally blasted by this hotel. I’m not I’m not going to write about the amenities cause they are exceptional and of another world. I mainly want to stress that every member of the staff that I met was simply extremely friendly and also helpful. This started at the reception with Juan, with the people at the various restaurants and pool, the customer relation representative Lila who simply came to introduce herself and helped me with something. At the magnificent rooftop bar “La Pérgola” I was met and attended to by three smiling and friendly waitresses Hilda, Camila and Veronica. There, the two barmen in charge Jesiel and Juan were exceptional. I was served amazing cocktails and they also made me taste some cocktail bases asking me about my opinion on them (how strong, tastes, sweetness). They like their job and want to bring it to the next level. So in addition to an exceptional location and design, the Sofitel Barú strongly relies on its staff and it’s the way it should be I think. Before visiting the hotel, I was surprised to read how many guests reviews enhanced the staff but after being here, I clearly understand where these reviews came from.

I stayed at this property while attending a conference and had a very positive experience. The resort is beautiful, peaceful and thoughtfully designed (environmentally conscious). The staff were consistently warm, friendly and attentive. As a foodie, I have to say that it’s clear that there is a strong culinary leadership. Brwakfast selection was exceptional mixing local food and international foods. I tried all the restaurants, room service and even the conference catering was surprisingly exquisite. Although I was there for a conference, the property felt perfect for couple. They have playgrounds for kids but not sure that there are activities attractive for teenagers, it’s a place to relax and would not categorize it as ideal for families. The resort is on an island about 1.5-hour drive from the Cartagena airport but there are boat transfers. I took a speed boat with a group (about 25 mins) which I highly recommend, it was faster and a great way to see the coastline. Just make sure you understand the group vs individual pricing as that seems to be a bit confusing and lacked flexibility. Overall, a wonderful stay with excellent hospitality and food.

Visited with a friend to celebrate her birthday here for a few days after staying in Cartagena mainland for four days. Beautiful property, extraordinary service and amenities, and the food was amazing. The spa experience was EXCELLENT! Raquel was my therapist and she was absolutely wonderful. I had the Mud Wrap and the “So Delicate” facial treatments. Will definitely be back with my husband so he can experience this tranquil retreat.